Special Access Programs: DoD is Strengthening Compliance with Oversight Requirements
Abstract:
Special access programs are highly classified projects with tightly controlled access and stringent security measures beyond those of standard classified programs. The programs are commonly referred to as "black" programs, although this term is not used in DOD policy. Examples of special access programs are the B-2 Advanced Technology Bomber, Advanced Tactical Aircraft, and Advanced Cruise Missile. Until the President submitted the fiscal year 1989 budget, DOD released information about these three programs, even their funding levels in some cases, to the Congress on a selective basis for security reasons. Similar information about other special access programs remains tightly restricted. DOD Information Security Program Regulation 5200.1-R, revised in June1988, stipulates establishment and oversight requirements for all DOD special access programs. Public Law 100-180, the fiscal year 1988 defense authorization act, required DOD to report special access program information to House and Senate defense committees to enhance congressional oversight regarding such programs.